She says they receive and collect donated food from local grocery stores, the Hampton Food Bank, local food producers and private individuals. They also sort, organize, store and distribute over thousands of pounds of food each year, without charge, to impoverished families living in our community.

The number of clients they serve continues to increase during the cold months.

“We've been without (transportation) and the community is suffering,” Veney says. “It's stressful trying to load as much in the car but you can't, so you know someone is going without breakfast or lunch.”

Such methods consist of free tutoring services, after school programs and summits, individualize and family counseling, one-on- one mentorship, life adeptness courses, employment and career readiness counseling and outings to educational, professional, and social activities that enhance academic aspirations and community involvement among the youth.

Veney and the many volunteers say they desperately need the community's help to make sure their needs are met.

“If you have a 15-passenger van, monetary contributions, if you're a dealership, whatever you can do to help,” Veney pleads.

You can contact Empowered Believers Christian Learning Center at (757) 240-5834, or visit the church’s website to donate.